Banks' Dream Is A Reality

Hard Thrower Makes Debut With Big Twins

Chances are Willie Banks will spend much of his time this summer at Tinker Field, where he made his major-league debut Tuesday.

Banks, 21, pitched a couple of hitless, shutout innings for the Minnesota Twins in their 3-2 exhibition victory over the Houston Astros before 2,456 fans.

The team's No. 1 free-agent draft choice in 1987, Banks is one of the hardest throwers (90 mph-plus) in the Twins' farm system, and is working his way up to the big time.

''I like him,'' Twins Manager Tom Kelly said Tuesday. ''This was the first time I got to see Willie pitch. He throws hard, and he has some moxie - cocky enough to know where he's at.''

Banks, a right-hander, is expected to start the season next week with the Orlando SunRays in the Class AA Southern League. He pitched one game here last year after a 12-9 year with Visalia in the California League. One of those victories was a no-hitter over Palm Springs.

''To me, today was like a dream come true,'' Banks said. ''I'm where I want to be. Facing those guys today is exactly what I want to be doing. I feel good about myself and about my work.

''If they want me to pitch in Orlando this year, this is where I want to work. If we had started training camp earlier, I would have had more time with the big team, but this is good enough as it is. I figure to pitch in one or two more games against the big-league clubs.''

Orlando SunRays President Pat Williams was so taken by Banks' pleasant nature and confidence that he invited him to spend the winter months at the Williams residence.

''That,'' Banks said, ''was extremely generous of him. He has all those children and yet was willing to invite me in his home. I almost was able to stay, but I needed to attend to things back home (in Jersey City, N.J.).''

To stay in shape, Banks said he played a lot of full-court basketball with his friends. ''I'm pretty good from 3-point range. . . ..I wish they had that rule when I played high-school ball.''

Perhaps Banks would consider playing for the Orlando Magic as a ''hobby.''